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Do Judges Matter?

Author

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  • Yun-chien Chang
  • Geoffrey P. Miller

Abstract

An extensive literature examines whether characteristics of judges correlate with votes on cases. These studies generally consider the judges' votes on the merits of cases. Examining a data set of 4,591 decisions issued by 48 state supreme courts in 2003, we consider whether judges' personal features affect their opinion writing. We find virtually no significant differences along any of the dimensions under review. Judicial characteristics matter only indirectly - ideological differences increase dissensus in public-law cases, which increases opinion length and citation numbers. Our study suggests that when carrying out the ordinary business of courts, judges are almost all the same.

Suggested Citation

  • Yun-chien Chang & Geoffrey P. Miller, 2023. "Do Judges Matter?," Journal of Institutional and Theoretical Economics (JITE), Mohr Siebeck, Tübingen, vol. 179(1), pages 224-246.
    • Handle: RePEc:mhr:jinste:urn:doi:10.1628/jite-2023-0020
    DOI: 10.1628/jite-2023-0020
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    ideology; dissent; judicialappointment; gender; ethnicity;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • K41 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Litigation Process

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